How to Start a Pool Cleaning Business
Pool cleaners maintain both public and private pools by regulating chemicals, removing debris and residue, maintaining pumps and filters, and assisting with the opening and closing of the pool. Pool cleaners should have previous experience, be relatively fit, and be able to swim. According to Entrepreneur.com, start-up costs for a pool cleaning business may be under $2,000.
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Things You'll Need
- Liability insurance
- Business license
- Pool vacuum
- Supplies
- Commercial vehicle
- Service contracts
Instructions
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Consider taking a job as a pool cleaner prior to starting your business if you lack experience cleaning pools. Another option is to enroll in a certification course, such as the two-day Certified Pool/Spa Operator course offered by the National Swimming Pool Foundation. You will learn pool and spa chemistry, testing, treatment, filtration, maintenance, automatic feeding equipment and government requirements.
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Check with your local government as to whether you need a license to operate as a pool cleaner. Pools must meet local health standards. You should be familiar and compliant with the standards. Contact your health department for information.
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Create a name for your business and obtain a business license, a sales tax permit and a federal tax ID. If you expect that your business may one day expand to include employees, consider incorporating or forming a limited liability company. Not only do both of these structures offer a degree of personal liability that sole proprietorship can't, they make your business appear more legitimate to your customers. You will still need to purchase business liability insurance, which may be offered by your bank or credit union.
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Purchase your tools and equipment, as well as a van, truck or trailer to transport your equipment. You'll need a vacuum, hose, telescoping pole, hand skimmers, testing kit and chemicals.
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Purchase billing receipts, business cards and fliers for your pool cleaning business. You will also need a method for collecting payment. While you can elect to only accept checks and cash, you may lose on clients. Obtain a merchant account that will allow you to accept credit cards, or visit PayPal.com to find out how you can accept your customer's credit card information via PayPal. Consider investing in software to help you keep track of your customers. Since your business will largely depend on repeat customers, you will need an excellent method for tracking your appointments.
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Create service contracts or agreements that detail your responsibilities as laid out by your employer; independent contractor forms, in the event that you need to subcontract repairs; and a product liability release form.
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Build your clientele. Visit motels, hotels, gyms, community and public pools, country clubs, apartment complexes, real estate agents and condominiums. Visit pool supply shops and lawn and garden care shops such as Home Depot and Lowes and ask to advertise your pool cleaning service on their bulletin boards. If your budget allows, put an ad in your local paper. Ensure that your business is registered in online directories. Mail brochures or fliers to residents in neighborhoods heavily populated with pools. Place an ad on Craigslist.org.
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References
Resources
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